In today’s business world, hybrid workplaces are the “new normal” and likely to be the most enduring of all the changes we have witnessed over the past two years. However, perhaps the most pressing concern ignited by this evolution is the impact on team structure. How can a CIO balance the pros and cons of in-person and remote collaboration?
Hard and Soft
Individual work styles and the roles of each team member affect the group’s collaboration dynamics. No one knows the intricacies of these interactions better than the team leaders. Leave it to them to hash out a particular plan for their corner of the world (the soft). However, reiterate that their preferences must gel with the needs and policies of the organization (the hard).
Most managers find that, left to control their own hybrid workplace, most teams fall into very similar patterns. This makes CIO oversight easier while also giving the teams the pleasure of choosing their own paths.
Big and Small
Experienced CIOs inevitably come to the consensus that smaller teams are better at making decisions than bigger ones. That is especially the case with hybrid workplaces where time delays and audio issues serve to complicate normal discussions.
Before convening a meeting, keep in mind that you need every decision-maker in the (virtual) room as well as anybody with pertinent information. Therefore, cull everyone else to create the tightest meeting room possible. It will generate the highest return on your investment of time and effort.
Old and New
Some CIOs have noticed a trend with hybrid workplaces: older, more experienced workers tend to prefer to work from home while newer additions to the team prefer to come to the office. The explanation is simple – the latter is still getting a feel of the environment and culture and prefer to have someone to turn to immediately and in person.
This familiarization process is important. A good solution would be to have a schedule where older staff are in the office to specifically fill this mentorship role. By rotating the roster, you will create a mesh of interaction that fosters personal relationships while achieving business goals, too.
People and Technology
The changes to our workplace have reinforced two almost dichotomous ideas. On the one hand, we have seen firsthand how technology has made interaction possible where it would not have been before. Yet, on the other, we also understand precisely why the human touch is indispensable to a vibrant, healthy workspace. CIOs must appreciate the importance of their role in uniting these complementary halves
How does your C-Suite function in today’s business world? At DeSantis Trusted Advisors, we provide consulting, advisory, and coaching services to businesses and their stakeholders with the goal of creating pathways to success. Please contact me today if you would like to discuss how we can work together.
